Deep Dish - Issue 424

What’s renowned and shows no sign of slowing down? El Convento Rico. The night of its 19th Anniversary Party, huge rotating spotlights shine into the night sky beckoning supergays to its dancefloor. On the sidewalk a free barbecue lures the hungry — though many of those gobbling up the goods are just people wandering by; most of the guests are already inside where the show is about to begin. Hosted by Miss El Convento Rico, Farra N Hyte, and Mr Rico, Trent Ruben, the acts are well choreographed from start to finish by Scott Fordham and his team of show-stealing backup dancers, including Sheldon Macintosh. Performing for the full house are Loretta, Kera Keys, Luna Mercedes and Ivory Towers, whose dance skills have improved immensely since the beginning of her skinny drag career. But as the huge birthday cake is devoured, it becomes apparent that a large percentage of those in attendance tonight are straight. We pray to that nun in the sky that the balance will soon be restored.

What’s going stronger than an Energizer bunny, honey? Flawless! The lineup to get into Flawless inside Sopra is impressive. Host Woodrow Monteiro welcomes while wearing white spandex leggings that leave little to the imagination as DJ Jamal greets with beats. Joining the promotional team is Daniel McBride, who seems to be maturing into his role as promoter. Tulsi’s sultry show, which involves a shirtless Trent Ruben exploding a load of glitter from a martini shaker over her bare bejewelled breasts, goes off without a hitch. Though it would be great if the short beauty were somehow raised up a bit — say, on a stage. DJ Shawn Riker takes over, blending in classic beats with newer songs like “Hello” by Dragonette as Chico Pacheco plays two bougarabou drums right on the dancefloor. The crowd is a great mix of young and not so young, gay and not so gay, including photographer Myles Sexton in his
almost seven-foot androgynous gorgeousness. “I have some black in my family,” he explains of his high, round, perfect behind.

What keeps on rolling along, ever strong? The 21st Annual Inside Out Film Festival, which runs Thursday, May 19 to Sunday, May 29. The Launch Party at the National Ballet School is a relaxed affair. As clips of upcoming films are shown on the large screen, attendees bid on silent-auction items, such as a stay in one of the wonderful rooms at The Drake Hotel. The illustrious Scott Thompson, of Kids in the Hall fame, makes a brief appearance. “I tried to get his autograph once,” local boy-about-town Aeryn Pfaff remembers, “but I was too drunk.” Tonight is not an open bar event, so Pfaff is sober enough to pay attention to the speeches. Musician and pigment-deprived hottie Gentlemen Reg is all smiles as devilish photographer David Hawe snaps pictures, which he will then Photoshop into ridiculously scandalous scenarios. “I’m really excited about this year. All the films will be shown in one central location [TIFF Bell Lightbox],” executive director Scott Ferguson says proudly. “And we’ll have popcorn!”

What is not a myth but rather a force to be reckoned with? The Toronto Alternative Art and Fashion Week (FAT). The smorgasbord of activity taking place at 99 Sudbury is enough to fill any glutton’s plate. While some of FAT’s collections are fun experimental pieces, there are a few designers who catch the eye of keen fashion lovers like 1 Girl 5 Gays cast member Jonathan Nathaniel. Kallvis Chen’s wonderful Human Nature collection contains hints of religious references, but it’s his sexy, clingy, patterned T-shirts that will be bigger than Jesus. Candy Coated Killahz, cute nerds Eight Bit Tiger and others perform in the music space, while art (even in the form of repetitive coat hangers) exists everywhere. “The crowd is very different this year. More 905ers,” Sonja Marie laments. What’s worse than unfashionable suburbanites? Nothing.

deepdish@fabmagazine.com